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  • Adria Arjona Seemingly Confirms Season Two Return for ‘Andor’

    Adria Arjona Seemingly Confirms Season Two Return for ‘Andor’

    Andor is currently in the midst of its first season on Disney+, however, fans of the franchise are already eagerly looking ahead to the show’s second season. While production on Season 2 isn’t slated to begin until November, thanks to a recent interview with the folks over at Collider, we might have a better idea of what’s to come when Season 2 hits in 2024.

    Adria Arjona, who plays Bix Caleen in Andor, talked about her future involvement in the series, as well as the collaborative process with showrunner Tony Gilroy. As she explains, he is open to conversations about the show and the characters and has already updated her on Bix’s storyline going forward.

    He [Tony Gilroy] was very open to conversations and is constantly telling me what is, what her journey is going to be like and, ‘Oh, I changed this a little bit’. He really kept me in the loop even before the scripts were done and the second he had a script out, we’d [the cast] would all get it first. Even now with the second part [of the series] he’s already told me what’s going to happen and that’s not the usual. He just really wants you to get into that mindset and start preparing your gears to sort of embark on this new journey and he wants you to think on your own as Bix so I can sort of have my own ideas and opinions.

    Adria Arjona

    Going off of her quote here, it can be gleaned that Caleen is fairly guaranteed to be surviving the events of the first season. This comes as Gilory has teased that the body count for Andor will be high with a tangible risk of any notable characters (besides of course the titular one) being killed off. As it currently stands, Bix is dealing with the death of her romantic partner Timm after a showdown between Cassian Andor and the Preox-Morlana Authority. With a total of 12 episodes for both Season 1 and Season 2, it remains to be seen where Caleen’s story goes from here.

    Andor is currently airing on Disney+ with the fifth episode set to release on Wednesday, October 5.

    Source: Collider

  • Emily Watson & Shirley Henderson Join ‘Dune: The Sisterhood’

    Emily Watson & Shirley Henderson Join ‘Dune: The Sisterhood’

    HBO Max has set Emily Watson (Chernobyl) and Shirley Henderson (Bridget Jones’s Baby) to lead its Dune series, Dune: The Sisterhood. The news was revealed by the streamer on Tuesday afternoon. Watson and Henderson will portray the formidable Harkonnen sisters, Valya Harkonnen and Tula Harkonnen, respectively. The Harkonnen sisters are part of the Sisterhood, a secret organization of women who will eventually go on to become the Bene Gesserit.

    Like the film by Denis Villeneuve, Dune: The Sisterhood is inspired by the books by Frank Herbert. The Sisterhood takes place 10,000 years before the ascension of Paul Atreides and focuses on the Harkonnen sisters as they “combat forces that threaten the future of humankind, and establish the fabled sect known as the Bene Gesserit.”

    Along with starring in Chernobyl, Watson has starred in the Little Women TV mini-series, Punch-Drunk Love, and Tim Burton‘s Corpse Bride. As for Henderson, along with starring in the Bridget Jones films, Henderson has appeared in Happy Valley, Marie Antoinette and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire – she also voiced Babu Frik in Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker.

    Diane Ademu-John (The Haunting of Bly Manor) serves as the creator, writer, co-showrunner and executive producer on the project. She’ll work with Alison Schapker (Lost) who also serves as co-showrunner and executive producer. Johan Renck (Chernobyl) is set to direct the pilot episode and will also serve as an executive producer. Denis Villeneuve (Dune) is also executive producing with Jon Spaihts, Scott Z. Burns, Matthew King, John Cameron, Cait Collins and author Brian Herbert.

    Source: Deadline.

  • Bad Bunny’s Marvel Film Lands Director and Writer

    Bad Bunny’s Marvel Film Lands Director and Writer

    El Muerto is the latest in a long line of Spidey-less Spider-Man movies Sony threatens to unleash upon cinemas. Music superstar Bad Bunny is slated to lead the film, a story about a luchador who gains mystical powers. According to the Wrap, the film has found its director and writer, Jonas Cuaron and Gareth-Dunnet Alcocer, respectively. Cuaron is best known for his acclaimed film Desierto and being the son of legendary director Alfonso Cuaron while Alcocer recently penned DC’s Blue Beetle film.

    As unexciting as a Spidey-less Spider-Man cinematic universe sounds, El Muerto does have the tremendous distinction of being the first Marvel film led by a Latino character. Having huge names such as Bad Bunny, Cuaron, and the burgeoning Alcocer behind the film gives the project legitimacy and prestige. It’s hard to imagine how this film will tie in to Sony’s other Marvel properties but the pedigree attached to the project should keep fans hopeful that the studio gets a superhero movie correct after Morbius and Venom.

    Source: The Wrap

  • ‘Hocus Pocus 2’ Nabs the Top Film Premiere on Disney+

    ‘Hocus Pocus 2’ Nabs the Top Film Premiere on Disney+

    It’s all just a bunch of Hocus Pocus.

    After being officially announced in 2019, Hocus Pocus 2 finally hit Disney+ on Friday, and fans were quick to devour the long-gestating sequel. And, unsurprisingly, the follow-up to Hocus Pocus proved to be a smash. Disney announced on Tuesday morning that Hocus Pocus 2 has earned the #1 film premiere on Disney+ within the United States to date. This was calculated based on the hours watched domestically within the film’s first 3 days of release.

    The film’s success shouldn’t be too surprising, of course. Back in June, it was revealed that the trailer views for Hocus Pocus 2 managed to surpass those of another Disney+ favorite — The Mandalorian. Within 24 hours of release, the Hocus Pocus 2 trailer had amassed an impressive 43.6 million views. A sequel to the 1993 classic, Hocus Pocus, was rumored to be in development for some time but hit plenty of speed bumps along the way. After finally securing a green light in 2019, Disney set the return of the Sanderson sisters in a film that would be exclusive to Disney+ — a move that is (so far) proving to be a smart one.

    While the original film wasn’t a critical success when first released, earning 39% on Rotten Tomatoes, it has since gone on to become a Halloween classic. And now, it would seem Hocus Pocus 2 is on track to do the same.

    Check out our review of Hocus Pocus 2 by heading here!

  • Book Review: ‘Frizzy’ by Claribel A. Ortega and Rose Bousamra

    Book Review: ‘Frizzy’ by Claribel A. Ortega and Rose Bousamra

    Sometimes, a piece of writing comes along at just the right time. Whether it lines up with a personal reckoning you’re having or speaks to a more significant societal issue, very few things beat that almost serendipitous alignment between whatever is going on and a good read. The upcoming release of Frizzy is one of those moments because the reckoning it is being released in has been a long time coming.

    Frizzy tells the story of a young Afro-Latina named Marlene who absolutely despises going to the salon. She wants to embrace her big curls, but her mother, Paola, has been conditioned to believe that her curls are bad, and that consistently straightening them will make her appear more professional. Paola drags her daughter to the salon every Sunday, until one day, Marlene is fed up and decides she isn’t going anymore. This decision to rebel isn’t one she reaches haphazardly either, as Claribel Ortega writes the angst that we can all relate to as it comes to a pivotal moment in our development. Marlene begins by just doing what she’s told, but she’s always questioning why people have an issue with her curly hair. This line of questioning comes to a crescendo when she begins to be bullied at school.

    The bullying is the usual kids-being-mean-to-other-kids stuff, but there is a tinge of racism mixed in that is deftly touched on by Ortega. It is as subtle as it is nefarious, and it very clearly starts to upset Marlene enough for her to wonder if her mother is right about her curls. It isn’t until she speaks to her Tia that she both realizes the pressure her mother has been under to be perfect and why she needs to break free from that. It is in Marlene’s support system, made up of her aforementioned Tia and her best friend Camellia, that she finds the strength to both stand up to her bullies and embrace who she is meant to be.

    Ortega has written an amazing story that, as we enter a racial awakening for a lot of Afro-Latinx folks who are on their own racial journeys, will resonate with middle schoolers who see themselves in both Marlene and Camellia. Ortega captures both the rebellious streak we all possess when we are growing up, the desire to not disappoint our parents, and the need for acceptance and love at such a young age. She also does an incredible job of writing these characters with depth, and she especially deserves credit for writing Marlene’s mother Paola’s journey with the appreciation for her struggles. Paola’s growth in this story is one of my favorite things to see, as it mirrors what so many of my own friends have gone through with their natural hair and their parents.

    Lastly, we can’t end this review without talking about the artwork. The decision to utilize vibrant colors mirrored that of the movie Encanto, which also dealt with similar themes about generational trauma. The graphics are vivid, and Rose Bousamra‘s color choices really made the story pop in a culturally-relevant fashion.

    Frizzy is an excellent read about self-acceptance and growing pains. Give it a chance when it releases, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

  • Emma Caulfield’s Dottie to Return for ‘Agatha: Coven of Chaos’

    Emma Caulfield’s Dottie to Return for ‘Agatha: Coven of Chaos’

    After being one of the more mysterious upcoming projects for Marvel Studios, new information is beginning to arrive for Agatha: Coven of Chaos. After playing Sarah Proctor (aka Dottie in the sitcom-based pocket dimension) in WandaVision, Emma Caulfield will be reprising the role for the upcoming Disney+ series. Caulfield’s return seems to indicate at least a partial focus on the sitcom aspects of WandaVision.

    Ever since it was revealed in late 2021 that Kathryn Hahn’s fan-favorite would be the focus her own series, much has been asked in terms of what might transpire. This is especially of note with Agatha Harkness not having a wealth of comic-source material. As the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to build its Multiverse Saga, it will be interesting to follow what could be gleaned from Agatha: Coven of Chaos and this corner of magic into the larger overarching narrative of Phase Five and beyond.

    Agatha: Coven of Chaos is being written by Jac Schaffer, of WandaVision fame, as part of her overall deal with Disney Television Studios. Announced at SDCC ’22, production is expected to begin on the series in early 2023 with a late-2023/early-2024 streaming window.

    Source: Entertainment Weekly

  • REVIEW: ‘Hellraiser’ is a Reboot Done Right

    REVIEW: ‘Hellraiser’ is a Reboot Done Right

    The original Hellraiser movie is easily one of the best horror movies of all time. It’s a terrifying concept that focuses on a mysterious box and sadistic creatures known as cenobites. On paper, the concept of Hellraiser is a simple one, a mysterious box that opens a portal to hell. And yet, it’s so much more than that. It’s ultimately about the sacrifices we’re willing to make in order to achieve our own hopes and desires. What made the film the excellent horror movie that it truly was, though, was Doug Bradley‘s Pinhead who managed to be hauntingly captivating. He’s terrifying, and yet, commands every second he’s on the screen. So, how does Hulu’s Hellraiser reboot stack up against the original? It’ll never be able to replace the original movie, but Hulu’s Hellraiser reboot is a reboot done right.

    At a time when it has become normal to see countless reboots of classic horror movies, it’s exciting to see one done properly. From a tight and emotional story to an excellent cast, this Hellraiser delivers on all fronts, especially when it comes to the casting of Jamie Clayton. For those only familiar with Clayton from Sense 8, they might be cautious regarding her casting. Worry not, though, Clayton is absolutely terrifying as The Priest. From her tone to her movements and her expressions, Clayton stuns.

    This new take on Hellraiser starts off with a meeting between an older woman and a seemingly lost male, as they meet in a private location to finalize a deal they’d made. As we soon find out, however, the male was meant to be sacrificed and the woman knowingly led him to his fate at the hands of the cenobites. (It is of note that none of this is really a spoiler.) The film then jumps forward in time and, we get to meet the film’s true protagonist, Odessa A’zion‘s Riley. Having made mistakes in her life, Riley is trying to get back on course and right her wrongs. Unfortunately for her, though, not everyone around her is so sure she’s capable of doing so. In her drive to do better, Riley will soon find herself face-to-face with a mysterious puzzle box that will change her life forever.

    A’zion is a star in the making. She plays off of Clayton’s Priest perfectly. The moments they are on screen together are terrifying and will keep audience members glued to the edge of their seats. The rage, the anger, the pain — Riley goes on such an emotional journey throughout Hellraiser and A’zion rises to the challenge with ease. A’zion is an actor to keep a close eye on going forward.

    Hellraiser is easily David Bruckner‘s biggest title to date, and one can only hope he earns more chances to tackle other horror stories in the future. There’s a sense of honor and appreciation of the Hellraiser films before it, which ultimately helps to sell a film that would’ve otherwise seemed unnecessary. Did Hellraiser need a reboot? Probably not. Is Hulu’s Hellraiser worth a watch? Abso-freaking-lutely.

    One final note: For those unwilling to accept Clayton as Pinhead, aka The Priest, it is of note that in the books the films are based on, Pinhead is described as having a girlish voice. So, yes, while the character is mainly described as androgynous, there are bits that suggest The Priest is female. “Its voice, unlike that of its companion, was light and breathy—the voice of an excited girl. Every inch of its head had been tattooed with an intricate grid, and at every intersection of horizontal and vertical axes a jeweled pin driven through to the bone. Its tongue was similarly decorated.” Those avoiding the film simply because they’re unwilling to accept The Priest as being female? They’re only keeping themselves from enjoying a damn good reboot.

  • Sam Reid Describes Bringing Lestat to Life in ‘Interview with the Vampire’ as “A Gift”

    Sam Reid Describes Bringing Lestat to Life in ‘Interview with the Vampire’ as “A Gift”

    AMC’s Interview with the Vampire debuted to high praise from critics, getting the studio’s Immortal Universe adaptation of Anne Rice’s works off to a great start. A common thread among the show’s supporters has been the work of Australian Sam Reid in bringing Lestat de Lioncourt, Rice’s primary protagonist throughout her Vampire Chronicles, to life. Though Reid is sharing the stage with Jacob Anderson’s Louis, who is equally brilliant, the actor has captured the enormity of Lestat’s personality, making it hard to ignore him on screen.

    In an interview with ComicBook.com, Reid discussed bringing the popular vampire to life. “It really is the most fun thing to do. I can’t tell you,” said Reid. “It’s so much fun because he’s so complicated a character.” The actor continued, pointing out how pleased he’s been being able to deliver dialogue lifted straight from Rice’s novels.

    And it’s like a gift, the dialogue that we get to say is extraordinary. And it is so gratifying playing this character and, in this world, saying direct Anne Rice lines. It’s incredible, because when you read it, it’s very different to how it sounds in your mouth, I mean how it sounds in your head when you have to put the words in your mouth and you actually go, ‘Holy sh-t, these people speak like this.’ Because there’s a lot of exclamation points and there’s a lot of love. There’s a lot of very extreme emotions in the book that when you translate it, they remain extreme, but you also have to put them in a sense of reality as well, which is a bit of a minefield to navigate.

    Sam Reid

    Of course, Reid adds that portraying a vampire means looking the part, which he’s apparently enjoying as well saying, “So, it’s really, really fun. And the fangs are fun, and the contact lenses are fun, and everything is great.“

    If AMC’s plans for their Immortal Universe are as bold as expected, Reid will have the opportunity to have much more fun over the coming years and fans much more time to enjoy him.

    Source: ComicBook.com

  • Barry Keoghan’s ‘The Batman’ Audition Tape Is Now Public

    Barry Keoghan’s ‘The Batman’ Audition Tape Is Now Public

    When Matt Reeves’ The Batman was released earlier this year, one of its most hotly debated features was the surprise casting of Barry Keoghan as yet another live-action Joker. As it turns out, however, the iconic arch-nemesis was not the member of Bruce Wayne’s rogues’ gallery Keoghan originally auditioned for. According to an audition tape, which has just been made public, the Irish actor had actually been trying out for the role of Edward Nashton, better known as the film’s main baddie – The Riddler.

    The footage shows Keoghan waltzing around an empty hallway with a cane and an outfit inspired by the character’s comic book appearance. According to the Eternals star, via a report by GQ UK, he sent his tape unsolicited to Reeves’ team before being told that the production had already filled the role. Of course, Paul Dano eventually landed the part after Jonah Hill passed, playing a version of the Riddler that felt far more original than most fans were expecting. Luckily for Keoghan, the film wasn’t done casting, and he received news from his agent four months later that The Batman wanted him for The Joker instead.

    The tease that Joker does exist in Reeves’ universe seemed like a set-up for the sequel, but the director has gone on record to say that isn’t exactly the case. Whether or not the villain appears in The Batman 2 is still up in the air, but Keoghan says he’ll be ready if the call does come in:

    As soon as that call comes I’m there, man, I’m there.

    Barry Keoghan

    Source: Variety

  • Taissa Farmiga Returning for ‘The Nun 2’

    Taissa Farmiga Returning for ‘The Nun 2’

    Taissa Farmiga is coming back for more. Deadline has confirmed that the actress will return as Sister Irene in The Nun 2. Farmiga will join the previously announced Storm Reid, who was cast in an unspecified leading role.

    The Nun was a prequel spinoff from The Conjuring 2 that focused on Bonnie Aarons as a demonic nun. The film took place in a monastery in 1952 and focused on a priest (Demain Bchir) and a young nun (Farmiga) as they sought to fight the nun’s evil possessions. While The Conjuring films are incredibly popular, The Nun has actually become the highest-grossing Conjuring film to date, having earned $365.55 million worldwide at the box office.

    The script was penned by Akela Cooper, with Ian Goldberg and Richard Naing stepping in recently to do another pass on the screenplay. Michael Chaves (The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It) will direct The Nun 2, while James Wan will once again produce through his Atomic Monster banner alongside Peter Safran and his The Safran Company banner.

    Farmiga is currently filming Season 2 of The Gilded Age for HBO. It’s unknown when she’ll wrap filming on that project, however, filming on The Nun 2 is set to kick off this month for a Sept. 8, 2023 release date.

    Source: Deadline.